“Call Me Mad, But I Keep My Promises” — Obi Fires Back at Critics Over One term Vow – Says Integrity, Not Insults, Will Define His Presidency
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his vow to serve only one term if elected president, responding pointedly to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who had mocked the pledge and suggested that any politician making such a promise should undergo psychiatric evaluation.
Governor Soludo, speaking at a political rally on Saturday, questioned the rationality of Obi’s position, stating, “Any politician who says that must be sent to a psychiatric home because the person must have some mental problem.”
In a detailed response posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Obi described his single-term pledge as a deliberate act of statesmanship rooted in global examples of impactful leadership, not longevity.
“One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures. Nelson Mandela chose to serve just one term despite massive public pressure. These were acts of principled leadership,” Obi said.
He emphasised that his promise is not born out of political convenience but from a commitment to deliver measurable results within four years, citing his tenure as Governor of Anambra State as proof of his adherence to promises and capacity to lead with accountability.
“In my political life, my word is my bond. I fulfilled every commitment I made to the people of Anambra without deviation. I did not swear by a shrine, nor have I been declared mentally unstable for honouring my word,” he said.
The former governor said it was unfortunate that many Nigerians no longer trust politicians due to years of betrayal, adding that this culture of scepticism is what fuels attacks like those recently directed at him.
“I understand the basis of their scepticism. They are judging me by their own standards—where political promises are made to be broken. But Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth,” he stated.
He insisted that purposeful, transformative leadership does not require an eternity, asserting that 48 months is sufficient to drive meaningful change.
“My vow to serve only one term is sacrosanct. If elected, I will not spend a day longer than four years in office,” Obi declared. “Forty-eight months is enough for any focused and prepared leader to sanitise governance, tackle insecurity, prioritise education and healthcare, catalyse SMEs, and fight corruption with resolve.”
Obi also took aim at what he described as misplaced priorities in governance, stressing that his administration would focus on transforming Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a productive one anchored on agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
“Above all, I will dedicate myself to transforming Nigeria into a productive nation, where rent-seeking gives way to value-creating sectors,” he concluded.
